Rabies Prevention Program Hits Roadblock in Sindh
KARACHI: The Sindh government’s ambitious rabies prevention programme is facing significant hurdles, primarily due to a shortfall in fund releases. Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah was briefed on Sunday detailing that only Rs66.255 million has been disbursed out of the Rs265 million allocated this fiscal year for mass dog vaccination and sterilization.
This financial constraint has directly impacted operations. Sindh News.com investigations reveal that despite the allocated funds, only one dog vaccination and sterilization center is currently functional outside Karachi.
Challenges in Rabies Prevention Programme Implementation
Officials informed the meeting that of the Rs265.02 million earmarked for the 2025-26 financial year, a mere Rs66.255 million has been released so far. The Rabies Control Programme Sindh (RCPS), launched in 2022, presently operates seven centers province-wide. Six are located within Karachi’s districts, with a single center operational in Matiari, Hyderabad division, impacting reach across Sindh.
Overall project expenditure to date, as of October 31, 2025, stands at Rs302.988 million out of a total project cost of Rs963.316 million, indicating a utilization of 31.4%.
Progress and Future Plans for Rabies Prevention
Despite funding challenges, progress has been made. Nineteen thousand, four hundred and forty-nine stray dogs have been spayed or neutered, and 30,729 dogs vaccinated through October. Tagging and geo-tagging are being implemented for monitoring.
A dedicated helpline (1093) is operational, with mobile applications under development. Plans include establishing 20 RCPS centers, including new ones in Malir and Dadu, and upgrading existing facilities. Staff training with the Indus Hospital is also planned.
Chief Secretary Shah emphasized the government’s commitment, stating, “Rabies prevention has been prioritised as a key public health objective.” The initiative aims to create a province-wide network for timely medical response to bite victims.
The limited funding release presents a significant obstacle to the widespread implementation of the rabies prevention programme, affecting its reach and impact across Sindh.